Oh dear, will this be the end of Nash and Riana? You know, I really want to know how are my characters still alive after the shit they've been through. If you were in their shoes, will you survive Mortal Kombat or will you die like those victims in Game of Thrones? For me, I'd rather be killed by Megatron! Then again, there are so many characters in Mortal Kombat that are underrated or they totally suck because Ed Boon hasn't got time for character development.

Ed Boon: What did you say?

Uh oh...better get my mecha and get the hell out of here!

Ed Boon: I am not making Mortal Kombat into a dating sim! There's no bloodshed or gore!

Oh come one! I want a Venus and Mars edition. If you know what I mean...

So, let's get on with the trial!

Chapter 27

The both of us sat in our own cells, waiting for our fate. Was this crime so bad that a public execution is a must? Will we be tortured and humiliated first? I looked down at my hands in guilt. I never wanted to come to this. Am I that difficult to control my boner in pants? My thought was interrupted by Riana's whimpering. It's heartbreaking to see your sister reduced to tears and fear, as if someone's going to come in and torture her. And I would have to watch and hear her screams in pain.

Exactly like ten years before.

All I remembered when I was eight was screaming for help and begging them to stop. They just wouldn't. 'She broke the code' they would repeat that over and over again. I got lucky because they loved me. In fact, they had always wanted a boy before I was born. Riana was pretty much a throw away to them because she didn't meet their expectations. Yeah, fucked up but the truth.

"Riana," I whispered. "Are you okay?"

"….No," she shook her head quietly. Kurt tried to reach for his owner through the bars of his cricket cage but to no avail. Riana pulled her knees closed to her chest. "I wished they'd light a torch down here….the dark is unsettling."

"Yeah," I chuckled, trying to make things lighter while waiting for our trial. "What about your night walks? It's not like you have a flashlight or anything."

Riana now, was holding Kurt's cage and petting him through the bars. She focused on him while talking to me. At least we're not lying around and feeling the dread. She's calming which is good. "The moon and fireflies are my light. Even if it's pitch black, I feel safe knowing the sounds of nature is there to sooth me."

I smiled. Riana's going to be okay. I don't give a damn about them in every family reunion. I feel guilty for not helping her when I was clearly unharmed, safe and got favours from them. If only I had powers that could rewind time so that I can save and undo the damage being done.

We both snapped our heads to the sound of the doors being unlocked. It's time. One guard went into Riana's cell and placed something on her. I couldn't see what they were doing due the large bulk of the guard unlocking my cell. But I heard no struggle from her.

We were both led to the courtyard where the whole residents of Edenia and Outworld were staring at us like the freaks at a sideshow circus. Their expressions were of disgust, shocked and anger. I could spot Kristina, Bryan and Azril in the crowd. The three of them had their individual expressions:

Kristina was staring at the both of us in shock, Bryan was in his panic mode again to which I am not surprised and Azril….is just being Azril. I have never felt so small among all these people. They may live in the village and not participate in the tournaments but they are just as dangerous as the main characters of the games. I saw Riana being brought up, more restrains on her than me.

She had her hands locked in the box-like cuffs, maybe they were aware of her gloves and venom so they locked both her hands. And her face, was it necessary to muzzle her when she's going to defend my case? It's not like she has rabies or anything! The crowd was pointing fingers, mainly at me while I tried to focus on the horizon. Heh, even that cowboy whom we encountered earlier is here too, just that he wants no part of it. Hmm, I guessed Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung are planning something since the both of them were not present. Kinda relieving since either of them can have their ways with us.

Kitana stepped forward, ordering the guards to shove the both of us close to the throne. Jade was by her side, glaring daggers at me and I don't have to imagine their faces without the mask to know they were so disappointed in me. Oh Jade, I'm so sorry! Man, I have never experienced such an atmosphere such as this. It's so violent and suspenseful like I really want my mentor to announce our punishment. I hope none of us are going to die…

"Order in the court!" Jade silenced the whole courtyard with a bang from the pole. Even Bryan, who won't shut up became quiet.

"Nash," Kitana's voice boomed, which scared me a little. "You stand here in the presence of the people of Edenia and Outworld. My mother would have carried out this trial but she has pressing matters with the emperor and Shang Tsung so I am here to fill in her place before she returns. Nash, you understand why you and your sister are here today?"

I already knew why I am here but what has Riana done to get arrested as well? So I just gave Kitana a slow nod, then turned my head to gesture to my sister.

"The actions you've committed against my General is downright atrocious," the princess of Edenia continued. The crowd became restless and murmured disapprovingly. "Not only you broke the General's heart after she gave herself to you, you decided to form a little harem for yourself to satisfied your own lust. What's worst was that you gazed at the General's enemy with lust and had done the same to my own mother!"

The crowd began to clamour, shouts of punishment for me filled the air. My friends were watching with anxious expressions minus Azril and their mentors were hard to decipher as their expressions looked the same. I exchanged glances with my sister but she too looked guilty. What has she ever done?!

"As for your sister," Kitana paused. "Is just as guilty simply because she's an eyewitness for your whole affair with Mileena. One of the guards knew about this after Shang Tsung accused you of that very same crime at the party. So he went to investigate and got the information we need. Riana, do you have anything to defend your brother?"

Riana nodded and obediently followed the guard to stand in front of the princess with her head held high despite her glasses askew. "Yes, my brother has made a lot of mistakes but I believed he can be redeemed. He's still finding in his heart. I hope you will understand that is all I have to say."

Kitana nodded before facing me with a hard expression. "Do you have anything to defend yourself?"

I took a deep breath before stating my case. "Yes, your highness. All I could say is that I am sorry but that is far from over. I have caused not only shame but distrust among all of you and even my closest friends. What is important now, is that I am guilty and will accept my punishment. In the future, I hope this is a lesson not to me but to anyone who have experienced this same ordeal."

The crowd was silent. No one breathed a word, even Kitana and Jade. Both of them seemed to be discussing something among themselves. Both Riana and I glanced at each other, hoping this isn't the last time we're going to see each other. I caught Jade staring at me with an angry and emotion I could not tell. Was she really going to execute me and Riana? I need to speak to Jade before my fate. I just want to let it out.

"Nash," Kitana called. "Are you aware of the consequences you are facing?" I nodded.

"I do but before you carry out your punishment," I paused, trying not to anger her. "May I speak to Jade before my sentence please?"

The crowd gasped and I could here Kristina yelling 'what the fuck' through the mass. I have never seen a stunted crowd before. I know this is like a death wish but I need to tell Jade this before my punishment is carried out.

"Jade," I sighed, looking at her beautiful face. "I am truly sorry for hurting you and betraying your trust on me. You have the right to call out on me and beat me up in front of everyone here today. But whatever happens today, I'll take it and accept my fate."

After my confession, Jade stood in utter silence. She's trying to digest my words. If I have to choose anyone, it's her. From the moment I played her…in the game she was not only beautiful but kind as well. Then again, Mileena's hot and I feel sorry for her as well. No one has ever loved her and only hatred can consume her. I wished Riana and my friends would understand how it feels to be aroused by most of the female characters in this world.

Not likely since now I knew she sold her virginity to a fucking lizard!

All of us waited as Kitana and Jade discussed on our fates. I eyed Riana who was trying to reach for Kurt's cage but the guard held her back. But thankfully, she has not been in hysterics so everything's cool. Even though the both of us are going to die, at least we'll be together knowing where we were wrong.

Both the princess and Jade returned with intense gazes in their eyes. That would have probably killed us than being played by a sword or burn in flames. Jade glared at me with hate but kept her composure to addressed me to the crowd, where my friends waited anxiously for our punishment. This is it. It will be the end of Nash and Riana in their adventures of getting killed by every one here!

"Nash," Jade addressed my name to the whole crowd. This is the end! "The only reason you are not dead is because of your sister and friends. Otherwise, your death would come by my hand. So our decision is…"

The silence was unbearable! Just get over already! Scratch that, I think I wouldn't mind waiting since I dread to have my head sliced in front if everyone like Ned Stark in Game of Thrones just because they claimed he was a traitor. Hey, I can watch a bit of tv shows too!

"The both of you have been banished from the palace," Jade announced. "Both Kitana and I went against my decision to kill and torture the both of you slowly. By sunrise tomorrow, the both of you will vacate the premises. If anyone else objects, they will join you in death. Are we clear?"

My god, I can't believed our mentors are going to exile us! But at least we are still alive. Then again, I won't be seeing my Edenian beauty again….Oh, Jade! In the end, my sister and I nodded to accept our fate. Satisfied with our answer, Jade turned to look at Kitana.

"Consider yourselves lucky," Kitana concluded. "Court is adjourned!"

The both of us were released as we watched the crowd dispersed. Only our friends remained. The guards released us from our captive holds to which we both embraced each other, knowing we're in this together. Even Kurt snuggled into my neck, showing that he's still with me. Kristina, Bryan and Azril rushed forward to grab the both of us in a hug. Well, Azril just walked and calmly placed each arm on us but I'd take that than him brooding any day!

"What the fuck were you guys thinking?!" Kristina grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

"Yeah! How are we going to explain to your mom and dad that you guys committed a crime!" Bryan added. Seriously, is that what he was thinking about all this time?!

"Hey, I don't make the harem around here!" Riana defended. Sis, don't you even care about your own damn brother!

"Hmmm," Azril pondered, stroking the egg strapped to his chest. "How about this as my suggestion: come to the cafe tonight and the five of us will discussed about what we'll do from here."

"So, it's like a meeting after Nash and I packed our stuff?" Riana asked to confirm. Azril simply nodded. Seems to me like everyone is fine with this idea. But I feel sad that we have to leave Edenian Palace and move someplace else or live like vagabonds. My heart is heavy with betrayal and loss from all I have done. Where are we going to stay now that we're cast off?

…

"I fucked up," I whispered to myself miserably as I tucked my clothes into a leather bag. I don't need a lot of things, really just some pair of underwear and some clean shirts and pants. I sighed as I took a glance of my room for the final time in Edenia. This is the first time I'll be cast off from somewhere.

Suddenly, a soft knock was heard to which I answered my door, surprised it revealed Jade who didn't have that anger or hostility on her beautiful face. I don't know if I should really defend myself at this point. She might hit me in the nuts with her pole and it'd be all over for me.

"Nash," Jade sighed, looking at me with a sympathetic gaze. I decided to take my chances and respond to her. "Jade, what are you doing here?"

"I…" she paused for a moment. Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "What you said at the trial was yet to decide. All I want to do is…wish you and your sister luck. I'm still disappointed in you and your affairs."

My heart has never felt so broken. So this is what a break up feels like? Then again, I never made my relationship official with the Edenian general or with the Tarkatan princess to which I wished there was a way to have both. My sister is wrong to judge Mileena badly just because she's wilder than Jade in terms of personality. Riana needs to understand that she's not all bad.

"Thank you, Jade," I thanked her politely, trying to hide the coldness I'm feeling inside. "I appreciate what you did to help me and train Riana as your disciple. Please…tell Kitana that I am sorry and thanked her for me."

I quickly walked away from the room, my pace increasing. Good, at least Jade would not have to see me in tears. I'd be so pathetic if I actually present them to her. She's better off by herself without a distraction to stop her from defeating Tanya. No one can really escape from a revenge, right?

Sucking back the tears and the lump in my throat, I stepped outside into the sunset where my sister was waiting for me, with a larger bag and a bearded dragon on her shoulder. Riana had always had her gloves on for now, I guessed it's time for me to have a special belt to hold my hammer. Together, we set off together, as nomads finding a new roof to shelter us.

…

Everywhere we turned, people have no problems calling us out and one had even dared to throw a basket of rotten fruits in our directions. Riana was hardly affected by all this but I am. I have never felt so humiliated and ashamed of what I've done. All we could do now is find safety from all this and be frugal with our allowance.

"You are a disgusting pig!" an old woman spat in my direction.

"What are you going to do, fuck our wives and daughters?!" a man challenged, signalling me to walk faster.

"You suck!" a child screamed. Even the kids hate us. No, they hate me for what I did to Jade.

"Hey, leave my brother alone!" Riana roared at them, her claws ready to slash and inject venom. Kurt, on her shoulder was hissing a threat to the people. After all I was called out for, they would stick up for me?

I was pulled into the alleyway, away from the busy marketplace. Riana was breathing hard, I guessed tired from hearing the people as well. But she could manage herself well, even in times like this. I admire that about her, because it's something I can't do. I was literally shaking, to which Riana sheathed back her claws of her gloves and Kurt lowered his stance. I was enveloped in a warm embrace.

"It's okay, little bro," my sister cooed me, like a mother bear. "I know things may seemed bad now but we got to endure it while we find a better solution. You fucked up big times, Nash and there are times when I will not help you. But I do because you are my brother."

"Riana…"

My sister was on high alert on who's coming. She dragged me quickly to another path in the alleyway. I could only hear her breathing as she is not much of a runner. Maybe if she's lose a few pounds, I think she won't have this kind of problem. I remember ten years ago, she wasn't this fat. She'd be quite a look and it'll be a bonus with her personality.

"I'm going out there with Kurt to get some food," she told me, signalling Kurt to climb up. I wanted to protest but her pointing her gloved with a single needle finger close to my face had me changed my mind. I created this mess, even if I show my face again no one will forget what I did.

"I'll be back soon," Riana hugged me gently. "We are meeting our friends at Azril's cafe tonight. Something about discussing our fate?"

I nodded, watching my sister leave with her pet to get some supplies while I hide. I feel miserable for not helping her. She's doing all of this for us. I guessed what happened in that dark room had her to be in survival mode more often. I wonder if she feels guilty for letting me be like this? Then again, Riana wants a life for herself too. Without me to interrupt since she is technically an adult now.

"Tsk tsk," a voice clucked above where I was hiding. Instinctively I whipped out my hammer, ready to strike but the figure from above leaped down gracefully. From the magenta outfit and those cat-like eyes, I got quite a surprise that Mileena did not pounce on me. From how her outfit was designed, I have a feeling she's using her exposed skin and bust to distract the opponents while she attacks. Clever girl.

"I'm surprised you're still here, handsome~" she purred, tracing a delicate finger across my cheek. I tried my best not to shudder at her light touch. Yet, there's something off about her. Was this the part I should avoid all this time? Her sais were resting comfortably by her gorgeous hips. Oh god…was she a femme fatale this whole time?! Mileena circled me like I was a rabbit ready to be snapped in the jaws of a vixen.

"Shame, really," she giggled, her Tarkatan teeth were hidden behind her pink mask. "You could be really useful if you join me and my friend Tanya. We would welcome you and give you all the pleasures unlike that general."

Wait, what?! "Mileena," I stared at her with disbelief. "You know Tanya?"

"Of course!" she sighed happily. "She was the one who freed me when my 'dear' sister found out. A shame she had to banished you. Oh well, there's still room for you if you like~"

It sounds tempting but…I have used my dick long enough. I don't want to betray anyone else's trust and be dishonest about my actions. Plus, my friends and sister need me if we are ever to go back home. I'm sorry, sex will have to wait. And Tanya…there's no way in hell am I ever going to side with you!

"No," I gave the Tarkatan princess my firm answer. How scary to see her eyes slanted like a jaguar's, ready to kill on sight. But then she didn't. Her eyes became playful again as she rubbed her hand to my clothed groin.

"Your loss, Nash," she purred. "My offer stands open if you ever need me~"

With that, she left quickly just as Riana came back with a handful of fruits. Kurt even had crickets in his mouth, munching them in enjoyment. I sighed, wishing for rice and some meat but this will have to suffice until nightfall where we can have a hot beverage and some snacks at the cafe.

"God, they never stopped complaining about you," Riana grumbled while biting through a papaya. "They kept telling me to be more firm with you and your actions. I got to say that they're right. Little bro, you really need to control your pants."

I watched her, my appetite for my mango was gone. Even Kurt stopped munching to listen attentively. Riana pushed her glasses up, facing me with papaya juice dribbling down the corner of her mouth.

"Nash, we need to distract you from having any lusty thoughts until you finally decide your path. Jade has feelings for you yet you decided to go around with other women. That's an ultimate backstab."

I just listened to her and felt a sickening feeling in my stomach. It was not the fruits but the fact I backstabbed the Edenian general without realising. Oh god, what am I going to do?!

…

Night time is completely different than day time in terms of the activities in Outworld. People were more lively and I see suspicious people prowling about, waiting to catch their prey of the day. Riana and I wasted no time to enter There And Back Again with our bags.

Inside, the scent of roasted coffee beans greeted us and an Indie music playing in the background. I'm just guessing it's Indie because of the guitar strums that filled the atmosphere. Honestly, I am quite impressed with Azril for not only managing a cafe while training but bringing people from all the realms together without a weapon or dismembered limbs scattered everywhere. It felt warm and welcoming.

"You made it," Azril generally stated, approaching us quietly from behind. I swear, he's like a ghost in terms of his movements! He was holding a tray of hot pastries and mugs of foamed art lattes. My stomach rumbled at the sight but the oldest disciple pointed a finger to the dark corners of the cafe.

"Kristina and Bryan are waiting for you," he sighed tiredly. "I will join you shortly. The customers here don't want to leave as they are chattering squirrels during Autumn."

So, we made our way to the table, Kristina waving her hand up to get our attention. I sat down between her and Bryan while Riana sat next to Kristina. Kurt decided to sit comfortably in the centre of the table. The both them had their mugs of beverages and a small plate of mince pies.

"Wow, and I thought the both of you were in a sticky situation!" Bryan laughed as he clapped my back. Kristina elbowed him hard before returning her greetings to the both of us. The four of us chatted some random things, waiting for Azril to join us so that we can discuss about the important matters. Bryan had tried his best to fit into the Special Forces yet no one is comfortable around him. Yet.

Kristina on the other hand had training as usual but lately Sheeva has to attend some meetings, probably Shokan business with Kintaro and Goro. During her spare time, she told us she spends her time at the library with Ermac.

"Hah! I knew under that jock strap you're a book nerd too!" Bryan grinned mischievously, happy about his theory. Well, I got to say I've never seen her read anything more than a manga. Then again, maybe we don't know each other too well.

"Shut up," Kristina scolded him. "Yeah, I read fantasy and adventures. Got a problem with that?"

"Oh no," Riana shook her head. I could see that she's trying to restraint herself from smiling. "But with Ermac? Now this is interesting! I thought he's lived to serve Shao Kahn."

"I know that!" she snapped. "Jeez, I thought you guys won't be so judgemental about it! Just because he lives to serve, doesn't mean he can't have free time on his own. But then…he's pretty cool once you know him better."

"Hmm, sounds like you like him," I pointed out.

"No I don't!"

"Was it that Dirty Dan~" Bryan giggled. Kristina threw her pie at his face.

"Stop bitching, bitches," a monotone voice broke our little argument. It was Azril with three mugs of hot beverages and a plate of spinach puffs. We dug in and drank in silence. Wow, Azril is good in everything!

"Since you two are now banished," Azril sighed. "You are fucked when a war is about to come. Kristina has informed us about it through her investigations at the gala."

"With the cowboy stripper and mummy sex slave!" Bryan added.

"I'll kick your ass if you don't shut the fuck up, Bryan!" Kristina threatened him.

"Anyways," Azril cleared his throat. "Both you and Riana need a mentor to prepare you for the future battles. They say he lives in Outworld but he prefers stuff from Earthrealm. You'll find him here."

He passed a crumpled paper to Riana, which my sister opened it and read it carefully. "You want us to go here?"

Azril simply nodded.

Riana passed me the note and I skimmed through. Oh no…don't tell me..

"Who's the guy?" Kristina asked, adding a shot of whiskey in her coffee.

"Bo Rai Cho," Riana and I answered simultaneously. All of us exchanged glances at each other. Bryan decided to break the ice.

"Hey, since we are all here," said Bryan. "Why don't we call ourselves a team. Even though we are in different worlds being trained, we'll be in this together. All of us have our own abilities and skills."

We murmured in agreement. But what can we call our team?

"Since we are all disciples," Riana hummed. "Why not stick with the name?"

"Yeah!"

"Sounds fine to me…"

"Count me in, Hobbit!"

So it is settled. For now on, the five of us will be know as the Disciples.

Well, looks like a team is being made. How sweet. Oh man, Riana and Nash are cast out into the cold and now they must find Bo Rai Cho for help. I like how Riana is subtly a Jade x Nash shipper. What will the five of them do in the next chapter?

Stay tune and please review. I love you guys!